Guwahati: As Mizoram commemorates the 40th anniversary of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord on Tuesday, Governor General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh and Chief Minister Lalduhoma have called on citizens to preserve the lasting peace that has shaped the state’s progress over the past four decades.
Observed annually as Remna Ni (Peace Accord Day), the occasion marks the signing of the landmark accord on June 30, 1986, which brought an end to two decades of insurgency and laid the foundation for peace, reconciliation and development in the state.
In separate messages issued on the eve of the anniversary, both leaders paid tribute to the architects of the peace accord, as well as those who sacrificed their lives for Mizoram, while urging people to uphold the values of unity, harmony and inclusive development.
Governor Vijay Kumar Singh described the Peace Accord as a defining moment in Mizoram’s history that transformed the state by ending years of conflict and ushering in an era of stability and progress.
Extending his greetings to the people, the Governor said the anniversary serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and developed Mizoram.
He acknowledged the contributions of political leaders, civil society organisations, churches, community elders and citizens whose efforts helped restore peace, while paying homage to those who laid down their lives during the conflict.
The Governor emphasised that peace is more than the absence of violence, describing it as the cornerstone of democracy, human rights, trust, tolerance and social harmony.
Calling peace Mizoram’s greatest strength, he urged citizens to remain united in protecting the state’s social fabric and ensuring that peace continues to drive progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic growth, innovation and cultural development.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma also extended greetings to the people of Mizoram and Zo communities across the world on the occasion.
Recalling the years of insurgency before the signing of the Peace Accord, he said development had remained largely stalled until peace was restored in 1986.
The Chief Minister said the state’s remarkable achievements over the past four decades have been possible because of the stable and peaceful environment created by the accord, adding that safeguarding peace remains essential for sustaining future development.
Highlighting Mizoram’s progress, Lalduhoma noted that the state has achieved full literacy, emerged as one of the top-performing states in the Northeast in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and earned recognition as one of India’s happiest states in terms of livelihood and well-being.
He also pointed to several major infrastructure projects currently underway, including the extension of railway connectivity to Sairang, the proposed rail expansion to Thenzawl, the construction of the Vairengte-Sairang four-lane National Highway, and other National Highway projects across the state.
Expressing optimism about Mizoram’s future, the Chief Minister said the state is poised to witness more transformative development initiatives in the years ahead, with the enduring peace established through the 1986 accord continuing to serve as the foundation for growth and prosperity.